Things to see and do in the Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast in Italy is a stretch of coastline on the northern coast of the Salerno Gulf on the Tyrrhenian Sea, located in the Province of Salerno of southern Italy. Historically, during the 10th–11th centuries, the Duchy of Amalfi existed on the territory of the Amalfi Coast, centered in the town of Amalfi. The Amalfi coast was later controlled by the Principality of Salerno, until Amalfi was sacked by the Republic of Pisa in 1137. In 1997, the Amalfi Coast was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist destination for the region and Italy as a whole, attracting thousands of tourists annually. The town of Amalfi is set in a dramatic natural setting below steep cliffs on Italy’s southwest coast. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was the seat of a powerful maritime republic, the architectural remains of the same exist. Huge mosaics and murals of nautical themes and tales still embellish the town of Amalfi.
You see, the Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento, Ravello are known as the four pearls of the Amalfi coast that you should visit.
That being said there are enough things to do and see in the Italian coast of Amalfi to spend a good chunk of your time there. Amalfi Italy is famous for many things like mesmerizing Coral jewelry, hand painted Mediterranean themed ceramics, tiles, and mosaics, Lemon everything, mouth watering spices, delicious homemade Italian food (Oh so delicious- do try plump green olives, flavorful olive oil and balsamic vinegar with fresh wood oven fired bread). I am guilty of drinking coffee and eating fresh Gelato twice a day all through my trip.
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Amalfi Coast, Italy
Geographically, like the rest of the region, the Amalfi Coast lies in a Mediterranean climate, featuring warm summers and mild winters. It is located on the relatively steep southern shore of the Sorrentine Peninsula, leaving little room for rural and agricultural territories.
The Amalfi Coast, has 13 villages all of them centered on tourism. The Amalfi Coast is also known for its production of limoncello liqueur as the area is a known cultivator of lemons, known as sfusato amalfitano in Italian, which are grown in terraced gardens along the entire coast between February and October. Amalfi is also a known maker of a hand-made thick paper which is called bambagina. Other renowned local products are a particular kind of anchovies from Cetara, and the colorful handmade ceramics from Vietri.
Take some time away from your busy routines and hustle and bustle of the city life so you can indulge yourself into the relaxing exploration of the coastal area of Amalfi, Italy. Plan to visit Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento, Ravello at your own pace. You can explore Amalfi Coast in one day, like us (somewhat not recommended, if you have the time).
You can make a stop at the stunning villages of southern Italy. Most of these villages are traditional and have their own appeal because of the exquisite coastal landscapes. You can get the true taste of the rich history, cuisines, architecture and more. You will experience the Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento, Ravello you would love to visit all these areas again in your life.
There are many beautiful spots in the area that you would love to explore. Here is what you will find in the different area.
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Positano
The location of Positano is perfect for those who love the panoramic views. It lies on the most beautiful stretches of the coastline. It is an enchanting town that is the center of the coast. Here you will find many amazing pastel-colored houses that surround the Parish church Santa Maria Assunta.
It is the perfect inspiration for the artists and fashion designers. Positano is famous for some amazing cuisines, colorful shops, quaint and numerous famous beaches.
CAPRI & ANACAPRI
Like us, you can also take a day trip to the Island of Capri from Sorrento. Capri island is so beautiful, its kind of posh with its upscale hotels, its fragrant citrus lemon vine-d restaurants, high-end designer boutiques and very fashionable rich crowd. Psst, I was like a kid in a candy store walking in architectural-y inspiring cobbled streets lined with couture-designer fashion boutiques like Dolce & Gabbana, very inspired by the famous local sandal maker "Canfora". They have a big shop at the entrance of the famous Capri chairlift, they will custom make leather sandals for you by the time you finish your chairlift round trip. Talking about the chairlift, it is a must do when you go to Capri. A relatively unsafe feeling of being in the chairlift keeps you feeling alive with the most amazing billion dollar view that you have ever seen. If the heaven had a view it would be the view from the Capri chairlift.
Amalfi
It is the Mediterranean area of the coast where you will find various lanes and white houses that are piled over one another. It is one of the most famous resorts in Italy. Explore the shops in Amalfi if you are planning to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones.
You can soak the sunlight on the beach. If you are visiting Amalfi on the bus assure that you sit on the right side so you an enjoy all the beautiful scenes.
Sorrento
Sorrento is a town overlooking the Bay of Naples in Southern Italy. A popular tourist destination due to its variety of small antique shops and location on the Amalfi Coast, it can be reached easily from Naples and Pompeii as it is at the south-eastern end of the Circumvesuviana rail line. The town is most known for its small shops selling ceramics, lacework and marquetry (woodwork). I stayed in Sorrento for my Amalfi coast 4 day trip.
Many of you may be wondering "Where to live when visiting Amalfi Italy Coast?"
Except Sorrento, Positano or the town of Amalfi are also great options for a hotel stay. Keep in mind although very beautiful Positano is a vertical town so expect a lot of walking and inclines while staying in Positano. I personally found Sorrento to be good choice as our hotel balcony opened up to the views of Mount Vesuvius and blues of infinite sea. The town of Amalfi was very touristy and crowded, if thats something that you prefer. Sorrento is also a middle place if you are planning to visit the Ruins of Pompeii as well as Capri and the whole of the Amalfi Coast.
The Sorrentine Peninsula has views of Naples, Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri. The Amalfi Drive, connecting Sorrento and Amalfi, is a narrow road that threads along the high cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Ferries and hydrofoils connect the town to Naples, Amalfi, Positano, Capri and Ischia. Sorrento's sea cliffs and luxury hotels have attracted celebrities including Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti.
Limoncello, a digestif made from lemon rinds, alcohol, water and sugar, is produced in Sorrento. Other agricultural production includes citrus fruit, wine, nuts and olives.In Sorrento, you will find amazing views because it has a cliff top position from where you can overlook the amazing sea, picturesque bays, bustling ports and the panoramic views of the beautiful Amalfi coast. The entire area is surrounded by hills. There are only two main streets in Sorrento that makes it easy to explore. While you are visit the streets you will notice lemon theme everywhere.
Lemon candy
Bottled limoncello
Trees with lemons growing on them.
The biggest attraction of Sorrento is the ceramic homemade products. You will find them on every shop and most of them are lemon themed.
The Arab-Norman Sant'Andrea cathedral at the heart of town, with its striped Byzantine facade, survives from this era. The Museo Arsenale Amalfi is a medieval shipyard-turned-exhibition space.
Ravello
It is situated at an elevated position as compared to the other pearls of the coast. You will find several exceptional views of the coast and the marvelous gardens and villas. It will take only 15 minutes to reach the inner hills of Ravello. It is a smaller village but the views of houses from the hills is amazing and you will feel like a photograph could not do justice to the amazing view.
Most of the photographers and painters like to visit this place because its beauty is an inspiration for them. On every step, you will find something amazing and mesmerizing. Do not forget to try some of the traditional cuisines. When you are in the Amalfi coast assure that you capture every beautiful moment because these some of the memories that you would never like to forget. You will enjoy every moment that you spend in Amalfi coast.
Below image courtesy- The Style Bungalow
Print and collection
Amalfi (Town of Amalfi, Italy) Inspired by the beautiful streets of the "Amalfi Coast" and the most picture perfect towns of Positano, Sorrento, Amalfi and Ravello. The colorful vertical houses take your breath away and the hand-painted ceramics are a perfect tease for the artist in each one of us. The flavors, landscape, architecture and art has enough magic to last for a lifetime and more! This one is for the "Love of Lemons" and patterns from the past.
about the writer
Sandhya Garg is a Project Runway designer. She studied and specialized in women's fashion at London College of Fashion, UK and has worked at Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Liberty London, Alice Temperley to name a few.
She has her own successful resort dresses, special occasion dresses, wedding guest looks, swim coverups label. While on Project Runway Season 13, she won 2 challenges and was fortunate to show her collection at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. The brand has been featured in Marie Claire US, Ftv.com, Elle Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vogue online to name a few.
She designs limited edition high end printed spring dresses and swim coverups. Beautiful prints are inspired from around the world to be worn during travel, resort stay or cruise holidays.